Edinburgh’s bus company, Lothian, is to be asked to explore providing free bus travel for family and carers of patients at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP).
All political groups agreed Cllr Finlay McFarlane’s proposal.
The council leader will also write to The Scottish Government requesting if it can provide free or reduced funding for public transport for parents or carers.
In addition, the matter will be referred to the next meeting of the Lothian Shareholder Forum which takes place in March. The City of Edinburgh Council is the largest shareholder in the bus operator.
SNP councillor Finlay McFarlane made the original suggestion asking for free bus travel for family and carers of RHCYP patients to be explored.
His motion explained that having a child in hospital can come with significant financial burden, and that includes the cost of public transport.
Although The Scottish Government covers some travel for those visiting young people in hospital, the expense has to be made first and then recouped, placing a financial strain on some families.
Cllr Euan Hyslop said: “When a child is seriously ill, families are already dealing with enormous emotional strain.
“The last thing they should be worrying about is how they’re going to afford repeated journeys to and from hospital.
“This motion is about using the influence we already have, as shareholders in Lothian Buses, to explore a simple, compassionate solution that cuts stress and financial pressure for parents and carers at the time they need support most.”
By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter
